Kraków

Poland's most beautiful city — a medieval core, world-class food and a history that demands attention.

290 hotelsLesser PolandBest season: May – Sep

DestinationKraków, Poland

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About Kraków

Kraków is the city that Polish people are most proud of, and for good reason. The old town — miraculously intact after World War II, unlike Warsaw — is one of the finest medieval urban centres in Europe. The main square (Rynek Główny) is the largest medieval market square on the continent and the natural centre of city life.

The city carries a weight of history that is both extraordinary and sometimes difficult. Wawel Castle above the Vistula, the Jewish district of Kazimierz, the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine and the proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau make Kraków one of the most historically significant destinations in Central Europe.

Key facts

Country

Poland

Region

Lesser Poland

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Language

Polish (English widely spoken in tourist areas)

Airport

Kraków John Paul II Airport (KRK) — 18 min by train

Best time to visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Great Good Busy/hot Cold

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Where to stay in Kraków

Each neighbourhood has a distinct character — pick the one that suits your trip

Old Town

Stare Miasto

Main square, Wawel Castle, the best hotels and restaurants

Jewish Quarter

Kazimierz

Historic Jewish district, ruin bars, excellent food scene

Across the river

Podgórze

Former ghetto, Schindler's Factory, emerging creative hub

Kraków guides

Everything you need to plan your trip, written by people who've spent real time there

City Guide

Kraków beyond the stag parties: the city locals love

The old town is magnificent. Kazimierz is essential. Here's what else is worth your time.

7 min readRead →

Practical information

The essentials before you go

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Getting there

By air Kraków Airport (KRK) is well-connected to most European cities. The train to the centre takes 18 minutes.

By train Direct trains from Warsaw (2.5h), Prague (7.5h) and Vienna (6h). Kraków Główny station is walkable to the old town.

By bus FlixBus and regional coaches connect Kraków to most major Polish and Central European cities.

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Getting around

On foot The old town and Kazimierz are easily walkable. Most of what you need is within 20 minutes on foot.

Tram Extensive tram network covers the wider city. A 24-hour pass costs around 15 PLN.

Taxi Bolt and Uber operate widely. Fares are very reasonable by Western European standards.

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Good to know

Currency Poland uses the złoty (PLN), not the euro. Cards accepted widely; ATMs available throughout the centre.

Day trips Wieliczka Salt Mine is 30 min by minibus. Auschwitz-Birkenau is 1.5h — book guided tours well in advance.

Vodka bars Kazimierz has the best bar scene in the city. Look for milk bars (bary mleczne) for cheap, authentic Polish food.

Nearby destinations

Easy day trips and next stops from Kraków

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